Pentasa, Heartburn :(

Hi,

I have been diagnosed over the last year with Crohns (Narrowing of the T I ), IBS (C and pain) and GERD (Severe, waiting for op to wrap top of stomach around esophagus). I am currently taking 4x Domperidone and 2x lansoprozal to stop my reflux and heart burn, and to move food through my system quickly (I was hospitalized for 10 days LAST YEAR AS i REGURGITATED EVERYTHING i ATE OR DRANK (Sorry, caps!) but this was at the time my first flare also), and 4 x Pentasa daily. I have been on the Pentasa for a few weeks and have been quite poorly, with an increase in hand and feet inflammation, D, pain and tiredness, but I also have a big increase in vomiting, reflux and heartburn.

I wondered about the links, as the gerd and crohns seem to be hand in hand, when the crohns is bad the gerd is, and I regurgitate much more. I'm trying to work out if I am suffering side effects or if I am getting poorly and hoped for some insight from others here?


I seem to be on a slow burn, but 'i find it very hard to accept how poorly I am, as I don't lose weight and my crohns is moderate. I feel guilty for needing so much rest but I do manage a fairly stressful ft job, two kids, two dogs and a Mr so by the weekend I am frazzled!



I think I'm just looking at advice on how to understand my illness, and get some perspective to ease the guilt but also if I should be worried about my current level of health as its decreasing, but I think its the initial tablets taking effect?

Sorry for the ramble!!

Hi Minnietoty, Thank you for your reply.

I have had lots of different tests over the last few years and the consultant has said that as I am not responding to an acceptable level with the maximum meds they can give that the condition is severe and has recommended I have the operation, I am waiting for the appt to come through before making the decision 100% though. I have tried a cocktail of sickness meds and the Domperidone has been the most effective, but I have a bag of different stuff I can use if needed (I think there are 3 different types of antisickness suitable and I have all of them) I have been tested for h.pylori and this was clear, other tests have shown inflammation to the esophagus and stomach. To be honest though I can live with the vomiting (Although not very glamorous lol), its the pain that is severe, they test me a lot for gallstones but it is just acid burn each time.

Thank you for the advice re: the Pentasa, I am feeling particularly poorly with it today but will persevere. I may ask for smaller tablets though - these things are like swallowing 50pence pieces!

Do you find that a flare of one condition makes worse the others? I am treated by two separate drs but feel that it is all very much linked. I feel very reassured hearing hat it has had similar effect on others, though also sorry that you have been /are going through it too. Can I ask if you are US based or UK? Do you have problems with antibiotics? I can't take them as they make me really sick but I can't get IV treated, I wondered if you have the same problem reaction wise due to the gastritis, and if this gets better recognized once you are under formal treatment?

Thank you again for you reply :) I have spent some time reading on the GERD forum too :)